The Toxicology Discussion Group - ToxTalks - was started in the mid-1970s as a multidisciplinary forum with a strong focus on genetic toxicology. It has fuctioned, thrived, and evolved continuously during the intervening years.
In 2002, to reflect the merger of the Toxicology Program into the new Biological Engineering Division, the program expanded to include the Engineering component of the Division and - after a lively contest - was renamed the Bioengineering and Toxicology Seminars - BATS.
The main purpose of the weekly seminars - to give graduate students an opportunity to organize and present concise reports in a critical but friendly situation - remains unchanged. The seminars also provide a general forum for exchange of information as projects develop, along with valuable experience towards presentations at scientific meetings or job interviews.
The basic format is two short oral reports by graduate students, each followed by a question/comment period. Graduate student presentations are scheduled during the academic year; a series of presentations by alumni - for facts, advice, and insight on life after MIT - is scheduled during IAP.
Graduate student attendance is required; faculty, visiting scientists, postdocs, and staff are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend.